Shooter&#39;s backpack assembly

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a backpack assembly that includes a support element and a stand element. The support element extends from at least a top portion of the backpack assembly and may be used to stabilize a gun when hunting or participating in other related hobbies. The stand element extends from at least a back portion of the backpack assembly and may be used to stabilize the backpack assembly when hunting or participating in other related hobbies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

When hunting, a user usually carries a backpack and a separate stand. Upon locating an intended target, a user must set down their backpack, unload their monopod or bipod, unfold and propped up the monopod or bipod, and then get into position to lock-in on their target. By the time the user is in position to lock-in on their target, the user has lost their target as their target had ample time to take off in another direction. A user then must fold down their monopod or bipod, load the monopod or bipod into their backpack, and pick up their backpack before continuing to search for their target. The number of steps and amount of time taken to prepare to lock-in on a target is inefficient and time consuming. Additionally, a user must carry a separate monopod or bipod in addition to their backpack and rifle.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, in one aspect, a backpack assembly is provided. The backpack assembly has a main housing element having a top housing portion and opposite bottom housing portion, a front housing portion and opposite back housing portion, a first side housing portion and opposite second side housing portion, and having at least one compartment located between the front housing portion and back housing portion, said at least one compartment having at least one access opening. The backpack assembly further includes carrying straps integrally attached proximate the back housing portion. Additionally, the backpack assembly has a support element located proximate the top housing portion of said main housing element; said support element having a main support body, and a V-portion body connected to the main support body, the V-portion body having a first leg and a second leg, the second leg being at a first leg angle from the first leg, said main support body extending from the top housing portion of said main housing element.

In another aspect, a backpack assembly comprising is provided. The backpack assembly has a main housing element having a top housing portion and opposite bottom housing portion, a front housing portion and opposite back housing portion, a first side housing portion and opposite second side housing portion, and having at least one compartment located between the front housing portion and back housing portion, said at least one compartment having at least one access opening. The backpack assembly further includes carrying straps integrally attached proximate the back housing portion. Additionally, the backpack assembly has a stand element extending from an area proximate the top housing portion and the back housing portion, comprising a first hinge coupled to a first standing leg and a second hinge coupled to a second standing leg, the first hinge connecting the first standing leg to the main housing and the second hinge connecting the second standing leg to the main housing.

In an additional aspect, a backpack assembly is provided. The backpack assembly includes a main housing element having a top housing portion and opposite bottom housing portion, a front housing portion and opposite back housing portion, a first side housing portion and opposite second side housing portion, and having at least one compartment located between the front housing portion and back housing portion, said at least one compartment having at least one access opening. The backpack assembly has carrying straps integrally attached proximate the back housing portion. The backpack assembly also has a support element located proximate the top housing portion of said main housing element; said support element having a main support body, and a V-portion body connected to the main support body, the V-portion body having a first leg and a second leg, the second leg being at a first leg angle from the first leg, said main support body extending from the top housing portion of said main housing element. The backpack assembly further includes a stand element extending from an area proximate the top housing portion and the back housing portion, comprising a first hinge coupled to a first standing leg and a second hinge coupled to a second standing leg, the first hinge connecting the first standing leg to the main housing and the second hinge connecting the second standing leg to the main housing.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawing. It is appreciated that the drawing depicts only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1A-1B illustrate perspective views of a backpack assembly, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 2A-2C illustrate perspective views of a back housing portion of a backpack assembly, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 3A-3B illustrate perspective views of a support element of a back pack assembly, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 4A-4C illustrate perspective views of the plurality of extending tubular members of the backpack assembly, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 5A-5E illustrate perspective views of a stand element of a backpack assembly, in accordance with aspects of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a method of making a backpack assembly, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of the present invention is enabling teaching of the invention and its best, currently known embodiment. Those skilled in the art can understand that many changes can be made in the embodiments described, while still obtaining beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the invention while not utilizing other features. Accordingly, those working in the relevant art will recognize that many adaptations and modification to the present invention can be made and may be desired in certain circumstances, and are part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principle of the present invention.

The backpack assembly provided herein allows for a user to use his or her backpack as a stand to stabilize their rifle while hunting. The backpack assembly includes a support element and a stand element which allow for a user to use the backpack assembly as a gun stand. The backpack assembly may be prop up using the stand element described herein. A gun may be placed on the backpack assembly and stabilized using the support element described herein. The backpack assembly allows for support and stabilization to be provided to the user and the gun while hunting or engaging in any other gun related hobbies. In addition to other advantages, the present invention eliminates the need for a user/hunter to carry a separate monopod or bipod.

The support element of backpack assembly is located near the top of the backpack assembly. The support element is shaped similar to the letter Y, with the upper portion of the support element shaped similar to the letter V. The V-portion of the support element allows for a user to rest his or her gun in a cradle of the support element. The angle of the cradle of the support element may vary from 20 degrees to 70 degrees. The support element may include an inner layer that is made of denser material such as, but not limited to, metal, plastic, wood, titanium, aluminum, and/or steel. The support element may also include an outer layer that includes weatherproof material such as foam, plastic, or rubber. The V-portion of the support element may be connected to a main body of the support element through a locking hinge allowing the V-portion of the support element to be tiltable. By allowing the V-portion to be tiltable, a user to adjust his or her position when hunting. Generally, the support element extends vertically from the backpack assembly, parallel to the back of the backpack assembly. As such, the V-portion of the support element may tilt up to 90 degrees in a forward direction, towards the front of the backpack assembly and up to 90 degrees in a backwards direction away from the front of the backpack assembly. By allowing the V-portion to tilt up to 90 degrees, a user may use the support element to support a gun while the backpack assembly is in a flat position with the back of the backpack assembly on the ground and the user in a crouching or laying down position on the ground.

The support element includes a plurality of telescopically extending tubular members that allow for the support member, and more specifically the V-portion of the support member, to be upwardly extendable up to 6 feet above the bottom portion of the backpack assembly. In some embodiments the V-portion is extendable up to 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, and/or 6 feet. The extending tubular members are tubes with varying radii that are telescopically connected to one another. For instance, a first tube has a smaller radius than a second tube. The first tube may be connected to a second tube and may slide into the second tube. The support element may also include a plurality of tubular locking mechanisms. The tubular locking mechanisms may allow for the first tube to be locked in a specific place in relation to the second tube. In some embodiments, the plurality of tubular locking mechanisms allow for each tube to be pulled upward and automatically clicked into a locked position. The plurality of tubular locking mechanisms may allow for each tube to be pushed and automatically unlocked from the locked position so that a user may slide the member downward. The extending tubular members in connection with the tubular locking mechanisms allow for the support element, and specifically the V-portion of the support element, to be releasably locked in place up to six feet above the bottom portion of the backpack assembly. As such a user may use the backpack assembly while the user is in a variety of positions from laying on the ground, to crouching on the ground, to sitting, to kneeling, to standing straight up. Further, for specific clarification, the “releasably locked” and similar phrases, indicate that an extending tubular member may be locked in a position that is not disturbed by the use of a gun resting in the cradle of the V-portion or the firing of the gun while in the cradle of the V-portion. At the same time, the extending tubular member may be specifically released from the locked position and slide down into the backpack assembly for further use. This understanding of “releasably locked” may also apply to additional aspects of the present invention.

The stand element provides stabilization to the backpack assembly. The stand element includes at least two stand legs that are each connected near the top portion and back portion of the backpack assembly. Each stand leg includes a plurality of telescopically extending tubular leg portions. The extending tubular leg portion are tubes with varying radii that are telescopically connected to one another. For instance, a tubular leg portion has a smaller radius than a second tubular leg portion. The first tubular leg portion may be connected to a second tubular leg portion and may slide into the second tubular leg portion. The support element may also include a plurality of tubular leg locking mechanisms. The tubular leg locking mechanisms may allow for the first tubular leg portion to be locked in a specific place in relation to the second tubular leg portion. In some embodiments, the plurality of tubular leg locking mechanisms allow for each tubular leg portion to be pulled downward and automatically clicked into a locked position. The plurality of tubular leg locking mechanisms may allow for each tubular leg portion to be pushed and automatically unlocked from the locked position so that a user may slide the member upward.

Each stand leg is attached to the backpack assembly with a hinge. Each hinge is capable of extending from 0 degrees to 90 degrees, which allows for each stand leg to extend from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. Using the stand element, the backpack assembly may be propped up vertically when the hinges are at 0 degrees or horizontally when the hinges are at 90 degrees. The backpack assembly may also be propped up at any angle between 0 degrees and 180 degrees to allow for a user to adjust his or her position. The stand element includes a stand locking mechanism for each leg such that each leg may be releasably locked into various positions between 0 degrees and 180 degrees. Each leg may extend from 6 inches to 3 feet in length.

The combination of the tiltable V-portion with the extending tubular members and the stand element, all contained within the backpack assembly give a user ease and mobility when hunting. A user is able to easily and move quickly, get into a position to lock-in on a target. By minimizing the time it takes to get into position to lock-in on the target, a user is able to minimize the risk of the target getting away.

Turning now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, showing perspective views of a backpack assembly 100. Backpack assembly 100 has a main housing element 110 which includes a top housing portion 111 with an opposite bottom housing portion 112, a front housing portion 113 with an opposite back housing portion 114, and a first side housing portion 115 with an opposite second housing portion 116. Attached to main housing element 110 are carrying straps 120. Carrying straps 120 are attached to main housing element 110 proximate the back housing portion 114. Located on carrying straps 120 are bullet holders 122.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate perspective view of a compartment 117 and back housing portion 114 of a backpack assembly 100. Compartment 117 is located, at least partially, within main housing element 110 and has at least one access opening 118, a front compartment portion 150, and an opposite back compartment portion 152. Back compartment portion 152 has a compartment plane 154 that is parallel to a back housing portion plane 156 of the back housing portion 114. In some embodiments, compartment 117 includes multiple access openings 118. In some embodiments, backpack assembly 100 includes multiple compartments 117 with multiple corresponding access openings 118.

At FIG. 2C back housing portion 114 and main housing element 110 are shown. Main housing element 110 also includes a metal frame 199 located between back housing portion 114 and back compartment portion 152. In some aspects, metal frame 199 is woven into the back housing portion 114 and/or the back compartment portion 152. Metal frame 199 includes at least four metal members. A first metal member 290 is proximate bottom housing portion 112, a second metal member 292 is proximate first side housing portion 115, a third metal member 294 is proximate second side housing portion 116, and a fourth metal member 296 is proximate top housing portion 111. Metal frame 199 helps provide support and stabilization to backpack assembly 100.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate perspective views of a support element 130 of backpack assembly 100. Support element 130 has a main support body 132 attached to a V-portion body 134. V-portion body 134 has a first leg 136 and a second leg 138. Leg angle 139 is the angle between first leg 136 and second leg 138. In embodiment, leg angle 139 may range between 20 degrees and 70 degrees. In some aspects, leg angle may be 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, or 70 degrees.

Support element 130 has a locking hinge mechanism 180. Locking hinge mechanism 180 connects main support body 132 to V-portion body 134. Locking hinge mechanism 180 allows for V-portion body 134 to tilt from a 0 degree angle parallel to back housing portion plane 156 to a negative 90 degree angle toward front housing portion 113. Locking hinge mechanism 180 also allows for V-portion body 134 to tilt from a 0 degree angle parallel to back housing portion plane 156 to a positive 90 degree angle away from front housing portion 113. FIG. 3B illustrates backpack assembly 100 in a horizontal position with V-portion body tilted to a negative 90 degree angle.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate perspective views of a plurality of extending tubular members 160 of backpack assembly 100. Each of the plurality of extending tubular members 160 are telescopically connected. FIG. 4B illustrates extending tubular members 160 in a nonextended position. FIG. 4C illustrates extending tubular members 160 in a fully extended position 179. FIGS. 4B and 4C also illustrate a plurality of tubular locking mechanisms 190 that correspond to plurality of extending tubular members 160. The plurality of tubular locking mechanisms 190 allow for the plurality of extending tubular members 160 to be clicked into a locked position and pushed and released from the locked position.

FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate perspective views of a stand element 140 of backpack assembly 100. Stand element 140 includes a first standing leg 142 and a second standing leg 143. First standing leg 142 and Second standing leg are each connected to an area proximate top housing portion 111 and back housing portion 114 of main housing element 110. First standing leg 142 is spaced a distance 148 away from second standing leg 143. Connecting first standing leg 142 to main housing element 110 is a first hinge 144. Connecting second standing leg 143 to main housing element 110 is second hinge 145. Each hinge is capable of being lockably adjusted at various angles. First standing leg 142 may be lockably adjusted at an alpha hinge angle 146 with respect to back housing portion plane 156 Second standing leg 143 may be lockably adjusted at a beta hinge angle 147 with respect to back housing portion plane 156. Alpha hinge angle 146 and beta hinge angle 147 may vary from 0 to 180 degrees with respect to back housing portion plane 156. Specifically, in further aspects, the alpha hinge angle 146 and/or beta hinge angle 147 is 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees, or 80 degrees. Correspondingly, when first hinge 144 is lockable adjusted to alpha hinge angle 146, first standing leg 142 is also lockably adjusted to alpha hinge angle 146 and when second hinge 145 is lockably adjusted to beta hinge angle 147, second standing leg 143 is also lockably adjusted to beta hinge angle 147.

Each stand element 140 includes a plurality of extending tubular leg portions that are telescopically connected. First standing leg 142 has a first standing leg plurality of tubular leg portions 193 that are telescopically connected. Second standing leg 143 has a second standing leg plurality of tubular leg portions 194 that are telescopically connected. FIG. 5B illustrates extending tubular leg portions 193 and 194 in a non-extended position. FIG. 5C illustrates extending tubular leg portions in an extended position. In some aspects, extending tubular leg portions 193 and 194 have rubber tips 195 located at a terminal end of each first standing leg 142 and second standing leg 143. FIG. 5C also illustrates a plurality of tubular leg locking mechanisms 201 that correspond to plurality of extending tubular leg portions 193. The plurality of tubular locking mechanisms 201 allow for the plurality of extending tubular leg portions 193 and 194 each to be clicked into a locked position and pushed and released from the locked position.

Cover apparatus 210 covers stand element 140. Cover 210 is attached to back housing portion 114 proximate top housing portion 111. Cover 210 has a front cover side 220, an opposite back cover side 222, a top cover side 224, an opposite lower cover side 226, a first cover side 228, and an opposite second cover side 229. A first VELCRO patch 213 is located on front cover side 220 proximate top cover side 224 and first cover side 228. A second VELCRO patch 212 is located on front cover side 220 proximate top cover side 224 and second cover side 229. A third VELCRO patch 215 is located on front cover side 220 proximate lower cover side 226 and first cover side 228. A fourth VELCRO patch 214 is located on front cover side 220 proximate lower cover side 226 and second cover side 229. First VELCRO patch 213 and third VELCRO patch 215 corresponds to one another such that when lower cover side 226 is moved upwardly, first VELCRO patch 213 and third VELCRO patch 215 stick to one another, as shown in FIG. 5E. Second VELCRO patch 212 and fourth VELCRO patch 214 corresponds to one another such that when lower cover side 226 is moved upwardly, second VELCRO patch 212 and fourth VELCRO patch 214 stick to one another, as shown in FIG. 5E. A cover clasping mechanism 230 is located on front cover side 220 proximate lower cover side 226 and first cover side 228. Cover clasping mechanism 230 has a cover clasping female portion 234 and a cover clasping male portion 232. Cover clasping male portion 232 may be inserted into cover clasping male portion 234 in order to lock stand element 140 into a closed position as shown in FIG. 5D.

Turning to FIG. 6, a method of making a back pack assembly is provided. At step 601, a main housing element is provided, the main housing having a top housing portion and opposite bottom housing portion, a front housing portion and opposite back housing portion, a first side housing portion and opposite second side housing portion, and having at least one compartment located between the front housing portion and back housing portion, said at least one compartment having at least one access opening.

At step 602 carrying straps are provided, the carrying straps being integrally attached proximate the back housing portion. At step 603 a support element is provided, the support element being located proximate the top housing portion of said main housing element; said support element having a main support body, and a V-portion body connected to the main support body, the V-portion body having a first leg and a second leg, the second leg being at a first leg angle from the first leg, said main support body extending from the top housing portion of said main housing element.

At step 604, a stand element is provided, the stand element extending from an area proximate the top housing portion and the back housing portion, comprising a first hinge coupled to a first standing leg and a second hinge coupled to a second standing leg, the first hinge connecting the first standing leg to the main housing and the second hinge connecting the second standing leg to the main housing.

Whereas, the construction and method have been described in relation to the figures of the drawings, it should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention. 

What is claimed:
 1. A backpack assembly comprising: a main housing element having a top housing portion and opposite bottom housing portion, a front housing portion and opposite back housing portion, a first side housing portion and opposite second side housing portion, and having at least one compartment located between the front housing portion and back housing portion, said at least one compartment having at least one access opening; carrying straps integrally attached proximate the back housing portion; and a support element located proximate the top housing portion of said main housing element; said support element having a main support body, and a V-portion body connected to the main support body, the V-portion body having a first leg and a second leg, the second leg being at a first leg angle from the first leg, said main support body extending from the top housing portion of said main housing element.
 2. The backpack assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one compartment has a front compartment portion and an opposite back compartment portion, the back compartment portion having a plane parallel to a plane of the back housing portion of the main housing element.
 3. The backpack assembly of claim 1, wherein said support element further comprises a plurality of extending tubular members located in the main housing element between the back compartment portion.
 4. The backpack assembly of claim 3, wherein the plurality of extending tubular members are telescopically connected to and fitted into one another and at least one of the plurality of extending tubular members being connected to the main support body.
 5. The backpack assembly of claim 4, wherein said support element further comprises a plurality of tubular locking mechanisms releasably locking each corresponding tubular member in place at any point between the non-extended position and the fully extended position.
 6. The backpack assembly of claim 4, wherein the support element is capable of being extended up to six feet from the bottom housing portion.
 7. The backpack assembly of claim 4, wherein the main support body of the support element extends vertically, parallel to the plane of back housing portion.
 8. The backpack assembly of claim 4, wherein the support element comprises a locking hinge connecting the main support body to the V-portion body allowing the V-portion body to tilt and lock at any point between a first tilting angle and a second tilting angle from the plane of the back housing portion.
 9. The backpack assembly of claim 8, wherein the first tilting angle is −30 degrees.
 10. The backpack assembly of claim 9, wherein the second tilting angle is 30 degrees.
 11. The backpack assembly of claim 10, wherein the first leg angle is between 20 and 70 degrees.
 12. A backpack assembly comprising: a main housing element having a top housing portion and opposite bottom housing portion, a front housing portion and opposite back housing portion, a first side housing portion and opposite second side housing portion, and having at least one compartment located between the front housing portion and back housing portion, said at least one compartment having at least one access opening; carrying straps integrally attached proximate the back housing portion; and a stand element extending from an area proximate the top housing portion and the back housing portion, comprising a first hinge coupled to a first standing leg and a second hinge coupled to a second standing leg, the first hinge connecting the first standing leg to the main housing and the second hinge connecting the second standing leg to the main housing.
 13. The backpack assembly of claim 12, wherein the first hinge is adjustable from the plane of the back housing portion between an alpha hinge angle and a a beta hinge angle allowing the first standing leg to be adjustable between the alpha hinge angle and the beta hinge angle, wherein the second hinge is adjustable from the plane of the back housing portion between the alpha hinge angle and the beta hinge angle allowing the second standing leg to be adjustable between the alpha hinge angle and the beta hinge angle.
 14. The backpack assembly of claim 13, wherein the alpha hinge angle is 0 degrees and the beta hinge angle is 90 degrees.
 15. A method of making backpack assembly comprising: providing a main housing element having a top housing portion and opposite bottom housing portion, a front housing portion and opposite back housing portion, a first side housing portion and opposite second side housing portion, and having at least one compartment located between the front housing portion and back housing portion, said at least one compartment having at least one access opening; providing carrying straps integrally attached proximate the back housing portion; providing a support element located proximate the top housing portion of said main housing element; said support element having a main support body, and a V-portion body connected to the main support body, the V-portion body having a first leg and a second leg, the second leg being at a first leg angle from the first leg, said main support body extending from the top housing portion of said main housing element; and providing a stand element extending from an area proximate the top housing portion and the back housing portion, comprising a first hinge coupled to a first standing leg and a second hinge coupled to a second standing leg, the first hinge connecting the first standing leg to the main housing and the second hinge connecting the second standing leg to the main housing.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the support element comprises and inner layer of metallic material and an outer layer of weatherproof material. The method of claim 15, wherein the support element comprises a locking hinge connecting the main support body to the V-portion body allowing the V-portion body to tilt and lock at any point between a first tilting angle and a second tilting angle from the plane of the back housing portion,
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first tilting angle is −45 degrees and the second tilting angle is 45 degrees.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first leg angle is between 20 and 70 degrees.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first hinge is adjustable from the plane of the back housing portion between an alpha hinge angle and a a beta hinge angle allowing the first standing leg to be adjustable between the alpha hinge angle and the beta hinge angle, wherein the second hinge is adjustable from the plane of the back housing portion between the alpha hinge angle and the beta hinge angle allowing the second standing leg to be adjustable between the alpha hinge angle and the beta hinge angle.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the alpha hinge angle is 0 degrees and the beta hinge angle is 90 degrees. 